Adjustable container

ABSTRACT

A container that can be adjusted in height to enable a user to more easily access and/or remove materials in the container after the material content level in the container has dropped below a certain level.

The present disclosure claims priority on U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 63/313,128 filed on Feb. 23, 2022, which is incorporatedherein.

The present disclosure generally relates to containers, and moreparticularly to a container that can be adjusted in height to enable auser to more easily access and/or remove materials in the containerafter the material content level in the container has dropped below acertain level.

BACKGROUND

Containers that that contain highly viscous materials can make itdifficult for a user to substantially or fully empty the container ofsuch materials. For example, peanut butter and other types of nutbutter, Nutella®, fudge toppings, caramel toppings, butter scotchtoppings, chocolate toppings, marshmallow toppings, and the like areviscous edible materials commonly sold in containers. Due to the viscousnature of these food products, the food product typically cannot bepoured from the container and requires a user to spoon out or otherwiseuse a utensil to remove the contents from the container. As the contentsin the container are depleted, it become more difficult for the user toremove the remaining contents from the container. As such, significantwaste can occur when the user can no longer easily remove the contentsfrom the container and throws away the container that still hasmaterials in the bottom portion of the container.

In view of the current state of the art of containers, there is a needfor a container that can be easily modified to enable a user to accessand remove viscous materials from the container after a certain amountof material in the container has been removed from the container.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a container that can be adjustedin height to enable a user to more easily access and/or remove materialsin the container after the material content level in the container hasdropped below a certain level.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present disclose, there is theprovision of an adjustable container that includes a body having aninternal cavity, a lid, and optionally one or more labels. The bodyincludes a top portion and a bottom portion that can be connectedtogether. As can be appreciated, the body can include more than twoportions that can be connected together. In one non-limiting embodiment,the top region of the top portion includes a top threaded region and thebottom region of the top portion includes a bottom threaded region. Thetop threaded region is configured to threadedly engage a threaded regionon the inner surface of lid. As can be appreciated, a connectionarrangement other than a top threaded region can be used to releasablysecure the lid to the top portion. In another non-limiting embodiment,the lid can optionally include rough surfaces and/or other grippingstructures to facilitate in the removal of the lid from/insertion of thelid on the body of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment,the top region of the bottom portion includes an upper threaded region.The upper threaded region is configured to threadedly engage a threadedregion on the inner surface of lid when the top and bottom portions areseparated. The upper threaded region is configured to threadedly engagethe bottom threaded region on the bottom region of the top portion. Ascan be appreciated, a connection arrangement other than an upperthreaded region can be used to releasably secure the lid to the bottomportion and/or be used to releasably secure together the top and bottomportions of body. The size, shape, and configuration of the container isnon-limiting. The lid can be configured to be permanently removable fromthe container or be reattachable to the container (e.g., screw-top lid,snap-on lid, etc.). The lid can be made of the same or differentmaterial from the body of the container. The body of the container canbe formed of a variety of materials (e.g., metal, plastic, glass, paper,ceramic, wood, composite material, etc.). The body of the container canhave a generally cylindrical shape; however, other shapes of thecontainer can be used.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container that isconfigured to include a material in the form of a food product such aspeanut butter. However, it will be appreciated that the container cancontain other types of food products (e.g., nut butter, Nutella®, fudgetoppings, caramel toppings, butter scotch toppings, chocolate toppings,marshmallow toppings, condiments [e.g., ketchup, mustard, etc.],molasses, honey, lard, various types of food pastes [e.g., hummus,tomato paste, pesto, fish paste, bean paste, pâté, butter, curry paste,etc.], etc. As also can be appreciated, the container can containnon-food products (e.g., paste, putty, wood filler, drywall filler,spackle, tar, etc.). The type of material that is contained in thecontainer is non-limiting. In one non-limiting embodiment, the containerincludes a viscous material that does not freely pour from the containeror pours from the container at a very slow rate. Generally, the viscousmaterial in the container is greater than 1000 centipoise at 21° C., andmore typically greater than 3000 centipoise at 21° C. (e.g.,3000-150,000,000 centipoise at 21° C. and all values and rangestherebetween).

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebody of the container includes a breakable seal partially or fully aboutthe perimeter of the body. The breakable seal is configured to allow thetop and bottom portions of the body to be decoupled when the breakableseal is broken. The body of the container can include one or morebreakable seals (e.g., 1-20 and any value or range there between). Inone non-limiting embodiment, the breakable seal can be used to form anair tight and/or liquid-tight seal between the separatable body portionsof the container. Non-limiting examples of sealing arrangement that canbe used in the breakable seal include a) a breakable adhesive seal, b)one or more sealing rings (e.g., polymer sealing ring, silicon sealingring, rubber sealing ring, etc.), c) one or more breakable coatinglayers (e.g., polymer coating layer, silicon coating layer, resincoating layer, etc.), d) a breakable and/or removable strip (e.g., paperstrip, coated paper strip, coated fabric strip, metal strip, polymerstrip, silicon strip, rubber strip, etc.), e) breakable and/or removableregion on the body of container (e.g., a weakened, serrated, slotted, orotherwise breakable region on the body of the container, a strip ofmaterial of the body that can be removed from the body, etc.), and/or f)a connection sleeve that releasably connects between the region of twoseparable body portions, g) a shrink wrap layer that is positioned aboutthe perimeter of the container. In one non-limiting embodiment, theadjustable container can include a single sealing arrangement. Inanother non-limiting embodiment, the adjustable container can includemultiple sealing arrangements. In another non-limiting embodiment, thecontainer can optionally include instructions to provide information toa user as to how the portions of the body of the container can beseparated. The location of the instruction on the container (when used)is non-limiting.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebody of the container includes a breakable seal that includes abreakable adhesive. The breakable adhesive is generally a food-gradeadhesive (e.g., resin glue, silicon glue, dextrin glue, starch glue,etc.); however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment,the breakable adhesive is generally positioned at least partiallybetween the portions of the body that are separatable. As can beappreciated, the breakable adhesive can be used to also or alternativelyform an adhesive layer on the outer surface and/or inner surface of thebody that overlies the region between the two separatable body portions.The thickness of the layer of breakable adhesive is non-limiting (e.g.,0.1 microns to 0.1 inches and all values and ranges therebetween). Inone non-limiting embodiment, the material used to form the breakableadhesive is generally a different material from the material used toform the body of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment, whenthe breakable seal is only a breakable adhesive, the breakable seal canbe broken by the user by decoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., fora threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened by twistingapart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body).However, when the breakable seal includes a breakable adhesive and oneor more other types of breakable seals, the user may or may not need toremove or break the one or the other types of breakable seals before theseal/connection formed by the breakable adhesive can be broken. Inanother non-limiting embodiment, the breakable adhesive can be used topartially or fully form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until thebreakable adhesive is broken by a user; however, this is not required.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebody of the container includes a breakable seal that includes a one ormore sealing rings. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or moresealing rings are generally partially or fully positioned between theportions of the body that are separatable. As can be appreciated, one ormore of the sealing rings can be partially or fully positioned about anexterior and/or an interior surface of the body of the container. Thethickness of the one or more sealing rings is non-limiting. Generally,the material used to form the one or more sealing rings is a differentmaterial from the material used to form the body of the container. Inanother non-limiting embodiment, when the breakable seal is only one ormore sealing rings, the breakable seal can be broken by the user bydecoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection,the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion ofthe body and the bottom portion of the body). However, when thebreakable seal includes one or more sealing rings and one or more othertypes of breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove orbreak the one or the other types of breakable seals before theseal/connection formed by the one or more sealing rings can be broken.In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more sealing rings can beused to partially or fully form a water-tight and/or air-tight sealuntil the user decouples the portions of the body; however, this is notrequired.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebody of the container includes one or more coating layers. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the one or more coating layers can bepositioned i) at least partially between the portions of the body thatare separatable, and/or ii) on the outer surface and/or inner surface ofthe body that overlies the region between the two separatable bodyportions. The thickness of the one or more coating layers isnon-limiting (e.g., 0.1 microns to 0.12 inches and all values and rangestherebetween). Generally, the material used to form the one or morecoating layers is a different material from the material used to formthe body of the container. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one ormore coating layers is formed is formed of one or more of a) a polymermaterial, b) silicone material, c) a gum material, d) paraffin, e) wax,f) resin, g) epoxy, h) cyanoacrylate, etc. In another on-limitingembodiment, when the breakable seal is only one or more coatings, thebreakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling the decouplingconnection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connectionis opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottomportion of the body). However, when the breakable seal includes one ormore coatings and one or more other types of breakable seals, the usermay or may not need to remove or break the one or the other types ofbreakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the one or morecoatings can be broken. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one ormore coating layers can be used to partially or fully form a water-tightand/or air-tight seal until the one or more coating layers are broken bya user; however, this is not required.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebody of the container includes one or more strips. In one non-limitingembodiment, the one or more strips can be positioned i) at leastpartially between the portions of the body that are separatable, and/orii) on the outer surface and/or inner surface of the body that overliesthe region between the two separatable body portions. The thickness ofthe one or more strips is non-limiting (e.g., 5 microns to 0.1 inchesand all values and ranges therebetween). Generally, the material used toform the one or more strips is different from the material used to formthe body of the container. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one ormore strips can be formed of one or more of a) a plastic strip, b) ametal strip, c) a coated paper strip, a coated fabric strip, d) acellulose strip, e) rubber strip, etc. In another non-limitingembodiment, when the breakable seal is only one or more strips, thebreakable seal can be broken by breaking the one or more strips and thendecoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection,the decoupling connection is opened by twisted apart the top portion ofthe body and the bottom portion of the body). However, when thebreakable seal includes one or more strips and one or more other typesof breakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break theone or the other types of breakable seals before the seal/connectionformed by the one or more strips can be broken. In another non-limitingembodiment, the one or more strips can optionally a) be partially orfully formed by a label, b) include printed material so as to at leastpartially function as a label, and/or c) include printed material thatprovide instructions to the user on how to break the seal. In anothernon-limiting embodiment, the one or more strips can be used to partiallyor fully form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal until the one or morestrips are broken by a user; however, this is not required. In anothernon-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the one or more strips is0.0001-0.05 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween). In anothernon-limiting embodiment, the one or more strips can optionally include agroove, slots, serrations, etc. to facilitate in the breaking of theshrink wrap layer.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebody of the container includes a connection sleeve. In one non-limitingembodiment, the connection sleeve includes a connection arrangement ateach end (e.g., threaded connection arrangement, slot connectionarrangement, etc.,) so that the bottom portion of the body and a topportion of the body can be releasably connected together by theconnection sleeve. In one non-limiting embodiment, the connection sleevecan be formed of one or more of a) a plastic material, b) a metalmaterial, c) a wood material, a resin material, d) a ceramic material,e) a glass material, f) a paper material, etc. In another non-limitingarrangement, the connection sleeve includes a threaded connection toenable one or both the top and bottom body portions to be reliablyconnected to the connection sleeve; however, other types of connectionarrangements can be used. In another non-limiting arrangement, theconnection sleeve can be configured to be permanently connected to thetop portion of the body and releasably connected to the bottom portionsof the body. In another non-limiting embodiment, a breakable adhesive, acoating, a strip, shrink wrap, etc., can optionally be used inconjunction with the connection sleeve to facilitate in forming aconnection and/or seal between the connection sleeve and the top and/orbottom portions of the body. The material used to form the connectionsleeve can be the same or different from the material used to form thebody of the container. The thickness of the connection sleeve isgenerally about 0.1-20% (and all values and ranges therebetween) theheight of the container. The maximum width of the connection sleeve isgenerally greater than a width of the wall of the container. In anothernon-limiting embodiment, when the breakable seal is only the connectionsleeve, the breakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling thedecoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decouplingconnection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body andthe bottom portion of the body). However, when the breakable sealincludes the connection sleeve and one or more other types of breakableseals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the one or theother type of breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by theconnection sleeve can be broken. In another non-limiting embodiment, theconnection sleeve can be used to partially or fully form a water-tightand/or air-tight seal until the two or more of the body portions aredecoupled by the user; however, this is not required.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebody of the container includes a shrink wrap layer that is positionedabout the perimeter of the container. In one non-limiting embodiment,the shrink wrap layer can be positioned on the outer surface the bodythat overlies the region between the two separable body portions. Thethickness of the shrink wrap layer is non-limiting (e.g., 5 microns to0.1 inches and all values and ranges therebetween). Generally, thematerial used to form the shrink wrap layer is different from thematerial used to form the body of the container. In one non-limitingembodiment, the shrink wrap layer can be formed of one or more of a) aplastic material. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the breakableseal is only the shrink wrap layer, the breakable seal can be broken bybreaking the shrink wrap layer and then decoupling the decouplingconnection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connectionis opened by twisted apart the top portion of the body and the bottomportion of the body). However, when the breakable seal includes theshrink wrap layer and one or more other types of breakable seals, theuser may or may not need to remove or break the one or the other typesof breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the shrink wraplayer can be broken. In another non-limiting embodiment, the shrink wraplayer can optionally a) be partially or fully formed by a label, b)include printed material so as to at least partially function as alabel, and/or c) include printed material that provide instructions tothe user on how to break the seal. In another non-limiting embodiment,the shrink wrap layer can be used to partially or fully form awater-tight and/or air-tight seal until the shrink wrap layer are brokenby a user; however, this is not required. In another non-limitingembodiment, the thickness of the shrink wrap layer is 0.0001-0.05 inches(and all values and ranges therebetween). In another non-limitingembodiment, the shrink wrap layer can optionally include a groove,slots, serrations, etc. to facilitate in the breaking of the shrink wraplayer.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebody of the container includes one or more breakable and/or removableregions. In one non-limiting embodiment, the body of the containerincludes a) a weakened or breakable region that can be broken by a user,and/or b) a removable section that can be removed by a user to enablethe container sections to be separated. In another non-limitingembodiment, the one or more breakable and/or removable regions can becontinuous or discontinuous about the perimeter of the container. Inanother non-limiting embodiment, the one or more breakable and/orremovable regions can be used to partially or fully form a water-tightand/or air-tight seal until the one or more breakable and/or removableregions are broken by a user; however, this is not required. In anothernon-limiting embodiment, when the container body includes one or morebreakable and/or removable regions, the breakable and/or removableregions one the container is generally formed of a material that enablesa user to remove and/or break the breakable and/or removable region(e.g., plastic or other polymer materials, ceramic, wood, compositematerial, fiberglass, certain metals, paper board, cardboard, and thelike, etc.). In one non-limiting arrangement, the one or more breakableand/or removable regions on the body are formed of the same material asthe body of the container; however, this is not require. In anothernon-limiting embodiment, the one or more breakable and/or removableregions can be configured to enable a user to manually break and/orremove the one or more breakable and/or removable regions by a) apressing force to the one or more breakable and/or removable regions(e.g., i) the user using his/her hands and fingers to press against theone or more breakable and/or removable regions to cause the partial orfully breakage of the one or more breakable and/or removable regions,ii) pressing the side of the container against the edge of a counter,using a plier wrench to cause the partial or full breakage of the one ormore breakable and/or removable regions, iii) pulling a tab on one ormore breakable and/or removable regions to partially or fully remove oneor more breakable and/or removable regions from the body of thecontainer, etc.). In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or morebreakable and/or removable regions can be partially of fully formed ofserrations, grooves, and/or slots that are formed in the body of thecontainer. In another non-limiting embodiment, the one or more breakableand/or removable regions includes a removable strip. In one non-limitingarrangement, the removable strip includes serrations, grooves, slots,etc. on both sides of the removable strip. In another non-limitingarrangement, the removable strip can optionally include a pull tab tofacilitate in the removal of the removable strip. In anothernon-limiting embodiment, when the body of the container includes aplurality of breakable and/or removable regions, the breakable and/orremovable regions are generally spaced from one another at a distance ofabout 1-70% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinallength of the body. When the body of the container includes a weakenedor breakable region, the type of weakened or breakable region isnon-limiting (e.g., serrations in the body, slots in the body, one ormore grooves in the body, thin thickness region in the body, etc.). Whenthe body of the container includes a removable section, such removablesection can be a removable strip that can be removed about the completeouter perimeter of the body of the container. One or more sides of theremovable strip can include a weakened or breakable region (e.g.,serrations, slots, groove, thin thickness region, etc.) to facilitate inthe removal of the removable strip from the body. The removable stripcan optionally include a pull tab that enables a user to grasp the tapwhen removing the removable strip from the body. Generally, theremovable strip is formed for the same material as the body of thecontainer; however, this is not required. The thickness of the removablestrip is generally the same or less than a thickness of the wall of thecontainer. The height of the removable strip is generally 0.01-15% (andall values and ranges therebetween) the height of the container.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable seal is located between the top and bottom ends of body. Thelocation of the breakable seal on body of the container is non-limiting.In one non-limiting embodiment, the breakable seal is located 20-80%(and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of thebody (defined as the length of the body between the top and bottom ofthe body). In another non-limiting embodiment, the body of the containerincludes one or more breakable seals (e.g., 1-20 and all values andranges therebetween). In one non-limiting arrangement, a singlebreakable seal exists between two separatable portions of the body ofthe container. In another non-limiting embodiment, each of the breakableseals has a height of 1-25% (and all values and ranges therebetween) ofthe total height of the container prior to the separation of any portionof the body of the container.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclose, there is the provision of an adjustable container thatincludes an optional label. The label can include various types ofinformation (e.g., product information, use information, branding,etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment, the label can partially or fullyencircle the body of the container. In another non-limiting embodimentthe label can optionally partially or fully function as the breakableseal. In another non-limiting embodiment, the container can include asingle label or multiple labels. In another non-limiting embodiment, theone or more labels can optionally overlie a portion or all of a) abreakable seal, and/or b) the decoupling region between two portions ofthe body of the container. In another non-limiting embodiment, the labelcan be formed of any number of materials (e.g., plastic, paper, metal,coated paper, coated fabric, polymer, silicon, rubber, resin, compositematerial, etc.). In another non-limiting embodiment, the label can besecured to the body of the container by a variety of connectionarrangements (e.g., adhesive, heat bonding, shrink wrapping, clamp,etc.). Generally, the material used to form the label is different fromthe material used to form the body of the container; however, this isnot required. In another non-limiting embodiment, the label canoptionally include a pull tab that allows a user to grasp the pull taband remove a midsection of the label and/or other portions of the label.In one non-limiting arrangement, the label optionally includesserrations or other removal features (e.g., slots, grooves, etc.) thatfacilitate in the ease in removal of the midsection of the label and/orother portions of the label from the body.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of a container that can be adjusted inheight to enable a user to more easily access and/or remove materials inthe container after the material content level in the container hasdropped below a certain level.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container comprising abody, and a lid; and wherein the body includes a top portion and abottom portion that are releasably connected together by a breakableseal arrangement; and wherein the top portion of the body includes a topinternal cavity, and a top region connection arrangement and a bottomregion connection arrangement; and wherein the bottom portion of thebody includes a base, a bottom internal cavity, and a base connectionarrangement; and wherein the lid is configured to be releasablyconnected to the top region connection arrangement; and wherein the lidis configured to be releasably connected to the base connectionarrangement when the top and bottom portions of the body are separated.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable seal arrangement forms an air-tight and/or liquid-tight sealbetween the top and bottom portions of the body when the top and bottomportions of the body are connected together.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable seal arrangement includes one or more of a) a breakableadhesive seal, b) one or more sealing rings (e.g., polymer sealing ring,silicon sealing ring, rubber sealing ring, etc.), c) one or morebreakable coating layers (e.g., polymer coating layer, silicon coatinglayer, resin coating layer, etc.), d) a breakable and/or removable strip(e.g., paper strip, coated paper strip, coated fabric strip, metalstrip, polymer strip, silicon strip, rubber strip, etc.), e) breakableand/or removable region on the body of container (e.g., a weakened,serrated, slotted, or otherwise breakable region on the body of thecontainer, a strip of material of the body that can be removed from thebody, etc.), f) a connection sleeve that releasably connects between theregion of two separable body portions, g) a shrink wrap layer that ispositioned about the perimeter of the container, and/or h) a breakableregion on the body of the container.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein one ormore of the top region connection arrangement, the bottom regionconnection arrangement, and/or the base connection arrangement includesa threaded connection.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thecontainer has a cylindrical shape.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thecontainer includes a viscous material that has a viscosity of greaterthan 3000 centipoise at 21° C.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thecontainer incudes instructions to provide information to a user as tohow the top and bottom portions of the body can be separated.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable seal arrangement is or includes a breakable adhesive; andwherein the breakable adhesive is a food-grade adhesive.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable adhesive a) is at least partially positioned between the topand bottom portions of the body, b) forms an adhesive layer on an outerand/or an inner surface of the body that overlies a region between thetop and bottom portions.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable seal arrangement is or includes one or more sealing rings; andwherein the one or more sealing rings are partially or fully positionedbetween the top and bottom portions of the body.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable seal arrangement is or includes a breakable coating layer; andwherein the breakable coating layer is positioned i) at least partiallybetween the top and bottom portions of the body, and/or ii) on an outerand/or inner surface of the body that overlies a region between the topand bottom body portions.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable seal arrangement is or includes a breakable and/or removablestrip; the breakable and/or removable strip breakable is positioned i)at least partially between the top and bottom portions of the body,and/or ii) on an outer and/or inner surface of the body that overlies aregion between the top and bottom body portions.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable seal arrangement is or includes a connection sleeve; andwherein the connection sleeve includes a first connection arrangement atone end portion of the connection sleeve and a second connectionarrangement at an opposite end portion of the connection sleeve; andwherein the first connection arrangement is releasably connected to thetop portion of the body; and wherein the second connection arrangementis releasably connected to the bottom portion of the body.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable seal arrangement is or includes a breakable region that can becontinuous or discontinuous about a perimeter of the body; and whereinthe breakable region is formed by one or more a groove, serrations,slots, and/or divots.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein thebreakable seal arrangement includes first and second breakable regionsthat are spaced apart from one another.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container that furtherincludes a label on the body; and wherein the label overlies a portionor all of the breakable seal arrangement.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the labelis configured to partially or fully form the breakable seal arrangement.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the labelincludes a pull tab that is configured to facilitate in the removal amidsection of the label and/or other portions of the label from the bodyto partially or fully expose a region between the top and bottomportions of the body.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentdisclosure is the provision of an adjustable container wherein the labelincludes one or more serrations, slots, and/or grooves to facilitate inremoval of the midsection of the label and/or other portions of thelabel from the body.

Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate variousembodiments that the disclosure may take in physical form and in certainparts and arrangement of parts wherein:

FIGS. 1-19 are front perspective views of adjustable containers inaccording to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

Although specific terms are used in the following description for thesake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to theparticular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in thedrawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of thedisclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it isto be understood that like numeric designations refer to components oflike function.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising”may include the embodiments “consisting of” and “consisting essentiallyof.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,”“contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to beopen-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require thepresence of the named ingredients/steps and permit the presence of otheringredients/steps. However, such description should be construed as alsodescribing compositions or processes as “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” the enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows thepresence of only the named ingredients/steps, along with any unavoidableimpurities that might result therefrom, and excludes otheringredients/steps.

Numerical values in the specification and claims of this applicationshould be understood to include numerical values which are the same whenreduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical valueswhich differ from the stated value by less than the experimental errorof conventional measurement technique of the type described in thepresent application to determine the value.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint andindependently combinable (for example, the range of “from 2 grams to 10grams” is inclusive of the endpoints, 2 grams and 10 grams, and all theintermediate values).

The terms “about” and “approximately” can be used to include anynumerical value that can vary without changing the basic function ofthat value. When used with a range, “about” and “approximately” alsodisclose the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints,e.g., “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.”Generally, the terms “about” and “approximately” may refer to plus orminus 10% of the indicated number.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purposeof illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure only and notfor the purpose of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-19 illustrate variousnon-limiting embodiments of an adjustable container 100. The container100 includes a body 102 having an internal cavity 104 to hold a materialM, a lid 106, and optionally one or more labels L. The body 102 includesa top portion 103 and a bottom portion 105 that can be connectedtogether. As can be appreciated, body 102 can include more than twoportions that can be connected together. The top region of the topportion 103 includes a threaded region 107 and bottom region of the topportion 103 includes a threaded region 109. Threaded region 107 isconfigured to threadedly engage a threaded region on the inner surfaceof lid 106. As can be appreciated, connection arrangement other than athreaded region 107 can be used to releasably secure the lid to topportion 103. Lid 106 can optionally include rough surfaces R and/orother gripping structures to facilitate in the removal of lid 106from/insertion of the lid on body 102 of container 100. The top regionof bottom portion 105 includes a threaded region 111. Threaded region111 is configured to threadedly engage a threaded region on the innersurface of lid 106 when top and bottom portions 104, 106 are separated.Threaded region 111 is configured to threadedly engage a threaded region109 on the bottom region of top portion 103. As can be appreciated, aconnection arrangement other than a threaded region 111 can be used toreleasably secure lid 106 to base portion 105 and/or be used toreleasably secure together top and bottom portions 104, 106 of body 102.The size, shape, and configuration the container 100 is non-limiting.The lid 106 can be configured to be permanently removable from thecontainer or be reattachable to container 100 (e.g., screw-top lid,snap-on lid, etc.). Lid 106 can be made of the same or differentmaterial from that of body 102 of container 100. Body 102 can be formedof a variety of materials (e.g., metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, wood,composite material, etc.).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-19 , body 102 of container 102 has a generallycylindrical shape; however, this is not required. FIGS. 3-4 illustratecontainer 100 that includes a material M in the form of food productsuch as peanut butter, and will be specifically described with referenceto such food product. However, it will be appreciated that the containercan contain other types of food products (e.g., nut butter, Nutella®,fudge toppings, caramel toppings, butter scotch toppings, chocolatetoppings, marshmallow toppings, condiments [e.g., ketchup, mustard,etc.], molasses, honey, lard, various types of food pastes [e.g.,hummus, tomato paste, pesto, fish paste, bean paste, pâté, butter, currypaste, etc.], etc. As also can be appreciated, the container can containnon-food products (e.g., paste, putty, wood filler, drywall filler,spackle, tar, etc.). The type of material that is contained in thecontainer is non-limiting. In one non-limiting embodiment, the containerincludes a viscous material that does not freely pour from the containeror pours from the container at a very slow rate. Generally, the viscousmaterial in the container is greater than 1000 centipoise at 21° C., andmore typically greater than 3000 centipoise at 21° C. (e.g.,3000-150,000,000 centipoise at 21° C. and all values and rangestherebetween).

Referring again to FIGS. 1-19 , container 100 includes a breakable seal110 about the perimeter of body 102. Although FIGS. 1-19 illustratecontainer 100 having only a single breakable seal 110, it will beappreciated that container 100 can include a plurality of breakableseals (e.g., 2-20 and any value or range there between).

One or more types of breakable seals 110 can be used to form anair-tight and/or liquid-tight seal between the separatable body portionsof container 100, namely a) a breakable adhesive seal, b) one or morepolymer, silicon, or rubber sealing rings, c) a breakable polymer and/orsilicon coating layer, d) a breakable and/or removable paper, coatingpaper, coated fabric, metal, polymer and/or silicon strip (e.g. portionof a label, a strip on an exterior of the body that is at leastpartially covered by a label, a strip [e.g., clear strip, etc.] on theinterior surface of the body, etc.), e) a weakened, serrated, slotted,or otherwise breakable region on the container (See FIGS. 1, 3, 9 and 10), and/or f) a connection sleeve that connects between the two separablebody portions (e.g., FIGS. 13-15 ). As such, it will be appreciated thata single or multiple breakable sealing arrangements can be used to formbreakable seal 110 on container 100. Instructions I can be optionallyincluded on the container to provide information to a user as to how theportions of body 102 of container 100 can be separated.

When breakable seal 110 is or includes a breakable adhesive, theadhesive is generally a food-grade adhesive (e.g., resin glue, siliconglue, dextrin glue, starch glue, etc.); however, this is not required.Generally, the breakable adhesive (when used) is at least partiallypositioned between the portions of the body that are separatable;however, the adhesive can be used to also or alternatively form anadhesive layer on the outer surface and/or inner surface of body 102that overlies the region between the two separatable body portions. Thethickness of the adhesive layer is non-limiting. Generally, the materialused to form the adhesive layer is different from the material used toform the body of the container. When breakable seal 110 is only abreakable adhesive, the breakable seal can be broken by the user bydecoupling the decoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection,the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart the top portion ofthe body and the bottom portion of the body). When breakable seal 110includes a breakable adhesive and one or more other breakable seals, theuser may or may not need to remove or break the one or the otherbreakable seals before the seal/connection formed by the breakableadhesive can be broken (e.g., i) a breakable region on the container mayneed to be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of thedecoupling connection, ii) a breakable strip on the container may needto be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decouplingconnection, etc.).

When breakable seal 110 is or includes one or more polymer, silicon, orrubber sealing rings, the one or more sealing rings are generallypartially or fully positioned between the portions of the body that areseparatable. The thickness of the one or more sealing rings isnon-limiting. Generally, the material used to form the one or moresealing rings is different from the material used to form the body ofthe container. When breakable seal 110 is only one or more sealingrings, the breakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling thedecoupling connection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decouplingconnection is opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body andthe bottom portion of the body). When breakable seal 110 includes one ormore sealing rings and one or more other breakable seals, the user mayor may not need to remove or break the one or the other breakable sealsbefore the seal/connection formed by the one or more sealing rings canbe broken (e.g., i) a breakable region on the container may need to bepartially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decouplingconnection, ii) a breakable strip on the container may need to bepartially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decouplingconnection, etc.).

When breakable seal 110 is or includes a breakable polymer and/orsilicon coating layer, the coating layer can be positioned i) at leastpartially between the portions of the body that are separatable, and/orii) on the outer and/or inner surface of the body that overlies theregion between the two separatable body portions. The thickness of thecoating is non-limiting. Generally, the material used to form thecoating layer is different from the material used to form the body ofthe container. When breakable seal 110 is only a coating, the breakableseal can be broken by the user by decoupling the decoupling connection(e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connection is opened bytwisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of thebody). When breakable seal 110 includes a coating and one or more otherbreakable seals, the user may or may not need to remove or break the oneor the other breakable seals before the seal/connection formed by thecoating can be broken (e.g., i) breakable region on the container mayneed to be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of thedecoupling connection, ii) a breakable strip on the container may needto be partially or fully broken before the decoupling of the decouplingconnection, etc.).

When breakable seal 110 is or includes a breakable and/or removablepaper, coating paper, coated fabric, metal, polymer and/or siliconstrip, the strip is positioned i) at least partially between theportions of the body that are separatable, and/or ii) on the outersurface and/or inner surface of the body that overlies the regionbetween the two separatable body portions. The thickness of the strip isnon-limiting. Generally, the material used to form the strip is adifferent material used to form the body of the container. When thebreakable seal 110 is only one or more strips, the breakable seal can bebroken by breaking the strip and then decoupling the decouplingconnection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connectionis opened by twisting apart the top portion of the body and the bottomportion of the body). When breakable seal 110 includes one or morestrips and one or more other breakable seals, the user may or may notneed to remove or break the one or the other breakable seals before theseal/connection formed by the one or more strips can be broken (e.g.,breakable region on the container may need to be partially or fullybroken before the one or more strips can be broken and thereafterdecoupling of the decoupling connection, etc.).

When breakable seal 110 is or includes a connection sleeve CS, theconnection sleeve can be formed of any number of materials (e.g.,plastic, paper, metal, rubber, ceramic, polymer material, silicon,composite material, wood, etc.). The connection sleeve includes aconnection arrangement at each end (e.g., threaded connectionarrangement, slot connection arrangement, etc.,) so the bottom portionof the body and a top portion of the body can be releasably connectedtogether by connection sleeve CS. As illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 ,connection sleeve CS includes a threaded connection to enable both thetop and bottom body portions to be connected to connection sleeve CS.Generally, the material used to form the connection sleeve can be thesame or different from the material used to form the body of thecontainer. When breakable seal 110 is only connection sleeve CS, thebreakable seal can be broken by the user by decoupling of the decouplingconnection (e.g., for a threaded connection, the decoupling connectionis opened by twisted apart the top portion of the body and the bottomportion of the body). When breakable seal 110 includes connection sleeveCS and one or more other breakable seals, the user may or may not needto remove or break the one or the other breakable seals before theseal/connection formed by the connection sleeve can be broken (e.g., i)breakable region on the container may need to be partially or fullybroken before the decoupling of the decoupling connection, ii) abreakable strip on the container may need to be partially or fullybroken before the decoupling of the decoupling connection, etc.).

Referring again to FIGS. 1-19 , container 100 includes breakable seal110 that can be continuous or discontinuous about the perimeter ofcontainer 100. The breakable seal 110 is generally a water-tight and/orair-tight seal until breakable seal 110 is broken by a user; however,this is not required. When breakable seal 110 is or includes a breakableregion 114, breakable region 114 can be formed by one or morearrangements (e.g., groove, serrations, divots, etc.). When containerbody 102 includes one or more breakable regions 114, container 100 isgenerally formed of a material that enables a user to break breakableregion 114 of breakable seal 110. Such materials include, but are notlimited to, plastic or other polymer materials, ceramic, wood, compositematerial, fiberglass, certain metals, paper board, cardboard, and thelike. In one non-limiting arrangement, container body 102 is formed of aplastic or polymer material.

Breakable seal 110 can optionally include a decoupling connection 112between top portion 103 of body 102 and bottom portion 105 of body 102.One non-limiting decoupling connection is a threaded connection. As canbe appreciated, other types of decoupling connections can be used (e.g.,a slot connection that can enable the top portion to be twisted and thenraised off the bottom portion, etc.). Decoupling connection 112 ofbreakable seal 110 can optionally be a water-tight and/or air-tight sealuntil decoupling connection 112 is opened (e.g., for a threadedconnection, the decoupling connection is opened by twisting apart thetop portion of body 102 and the bottom portion of body 102); however,this is not required. An adhesive and/or sealing material (not shown)can be optionally used to maintain the connection between the top andbottom portions of body 102 by decoupling connection 112, and/or tofacilitate in forming a water-tight and/or air-tight seal between thetop and bottom portions of body 102 by decoupling connection 112;however, this is not required.

As can be appreciate, container body 102 can be modified such thatbreakable region 114 is eliminated, and he breakable seal 110 betweenthe top portion of body 102 and the bottom portion of body 102 can beformed by a) a breakable adhesive seal located partially or fully inand/or about the decoupling connection, b) one or more polymer, silicon,or rubber sealing rings located partially or fully in or about thedecoupling connection, c) a breakable polymer and/or silicon coatinglayer located partially of fully about the decoupling connection, d) abreakable and/or removable paper, metal, polymer, and/or silicon striplocated partially or fully about the decoupling connection, and/or e) aconnection sleeve that connects between the region between the twoseparatable container portions. FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a container bodywherein breakable region 114 is eliminated. FIGS. 18-19 illustrate athreaded connection 112 between the top portion of body 102 and thebottom portion of body 104 that can be similar to threaded connection112 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 . As can be appreciated, connections otherthan a threaded connection can be used (e.g., a slot connection that canenable the top portion to be twisted and then raised off the bottomportion, etc.). The connection formed by the threaded connection can bean air-tight and/or liquid-tight seal; however, this is not required. Asdiscussed above, one or more additional sealing arrangement canoptionally be used with the threaded connection (e.g., i) a breakableadhesive seal located partially or fully in and/or about the decouplingconnection, ii) one or more polymer, silicon, or rubber sealing ringslocated partially or fully in or about the decoupling connection, iii) abreakable polymer and/or silicon coating layer located partially orfully about the decoupling connection, iv) a breakable and/or removablepaper, metal, polymer, and/or silicon strip located partially or fullyabout the decoupling connection, etc.), and/or v) a connection sleevethat connects between the region between the two separatable bodyportions.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-12 , when container body 102 includes breakableregion 114, a user can manually break breakable region 114 by applying apressing force such as by the user's fingers as illustrated in FIG. 9and/or by some other matter (e.g., pressing the side of the containeragainst the edge of a counter, using a plier wrench, etc.). Oncebreakable region 114 is partially or fully broken, the user can thendecouple the top portion of body 102 from the bottom portion of body 102(e.g., twisting off the top portion from the bottom portion asillustrated in FIG. 10 , etc.). Thereafter, the user can dispose of thetop portion of body 102 and then reuse lid 106 to cover and/or seal thetop of the bottom portion of body 102 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 12 .

Breakable region 114 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 9 is a singlebreakable region such as serrations or slots. FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrateanother non-limiting breakable region 114. Breakable region 114 is aremovable strip 116. Removable strip 116 includes serrations, grooves,slots, etc., on both sides of removable strip 116 to facilitate in theremoval of removable strip 116 from the body of the container. Removablestrip 116 can optionally include a pull tab 118 to facilitate in theremoval of removable strip 116. Removable strip 116 can optionally beconfigured to form a water-tight and/or air-tight seal with the otherportions of body 102 of the container; however, this is not required.Generally, the material used to form removable strip 116 is the samematerial used to form the body of the container; however, this is notrequired. Once strip 116 is partially or fully removed form the body,the user can then decouple the top portion of body 102 from the bottomportion of body 102.

Referring again to FIGS. 1, and 9-11 , breakable seal 110 is locatedbetween the top and bottom ends of body 102. The location of breakableseal 110 on body 102 of container 100 is non-limiting. In onenon-limiting arrangement, breakable seal 110 is located 20-80% (and allvalues and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of body 102. Inone specific non-limiting arrangement, breakable seal 110 is located40-60% the longitudinal length of body 102. When container 100 includesa plurality of breakable seals 110, breakable seals 110 are spaced fromone another at a distance of about 5-70% (and all values and rangestherebetween) the longitudinal length of body 102. Each of breakableseals 110 have a height of 1-25% (and all values and rangestherebetween) of the total height of the container prior to theseparation of any portion of the body of the container, and typicallyeach of breakable seals 110 have a height of 2-17% of the total heightof the container prior to the separation of any portion of the body ofthe container.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate container 100 having an optional label L on body102 of the container. The label can include various types of information(e.g., product information, use information, branding, etc.). The labelcan partially or fully encircle body 102 of the container. As can beappreciated, label L illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 can be used in any of theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-19 . The container is illustrated asincluding a single label L; however, it will be appreciated that morethan one label can be included on container 100. Label L is illustratedas overlying a portion or all of breakable seal 110 and/or breakableregion 114; however, this is not required. The label can be formed ofany number of materials (e.g., plastic, paper, metal, etc.). The labelcan be secured to body 102 of the container by a variety of connectionarrangement (e.g., adhesive, heat bonding, shrink wrapping, etc.).Generally, the material used to form the label is different from thematerial used to form the body of the container.

Label L can optionally be used to partially or fully form breakable seal110 between top portion 103 of body 102 from bottom portion 105 of body102. In one non-limiting arrangement, breakable region 114 iseliminated, and label L alone, or label L in combination with one ormore other seal arrangements (e.g., i) a breakable adhesive seal locatedpartially or fully in and/or about the decoupling connection, ii) one ormore polymer, silicon, or rubber sealing rings located partially orfully in or about the decoupling connection, iii) a breakable polymerand/or silicon coating layer located partially or fully about thedecoupling connection, and/or iv) a breakable and/or removable paper,metal, polymer and/or silicon strip other than label L located partiallyor fully about the decoupling connection, etc.) is used to formbreakable seal 110.

Label L can optionally include a pull tab T that allows a user to grasppull tab T and remove a midsection S of the label and/or other portionsof label L to partially or fully expose the connection location betweenthe portion 103 of body 102 from bottom portion 105 of body 102. Whenlabel L partially or fully forms breakable seal 110, the removal of themidsection S of the label and/or other portions of label L from body 102results in the partial or full breaking of breakable seal 110. When body102 optionally includes breakable region 114, the removal of midsectionS of the label and/or other portions of label L from body 102 also oralternatively results in the exposure of breakable region 114 to therebyfacilitate in the user being able to partially or fully break breakableregion 114. Label L can optionally include serrations R or other removalfeatures (e.g., slots, grooves, etc.) to facilitate in the ease inremoval of midsection S of the label and/or other portions of label Lfrom body 102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 , the location of tab T and the use of anyoptional serrations R or other removal features can be such that theremoval of a portion of the label located below the connection locationbetween top portion 103 of body 102 and bottom portion 105 of body 102optionally results in a portion of label L being retained on bottomportion 105 of body 102 after top portion 103 of body 102 has beenremoved from bottom portion 105 of body 102.

The idea behind the container in accordance with the present disclosureis to be able to allow consumers to access more of the product inside ofa container (e.g., peanut butter, etc.). Most individuals havedifficulty getting a spoon or even a spatula down into the bottom of acontainer to get the very last bit of a food product out of thecontainer. The container in accordance with the present disclosureallows a user, after emptying out the top half or top portion of thecontainer of food product, to remove the top portion of the container sothe user can easily access the bottom half or portion of the containerto scoop out the rest of the material in the container, and still enablethe container to be closed just like the original container. The removedtop portion of the container can then be disposed of by optionallyrecycling the top portion, or alternatively the top portion could bereused.

First, once the top portion of the container is empty and the contentsof the container are below the top portion of the container, a portionof the label (when used) is removed to optionally partially or fullyexpose the connection location between top portion 103 of body 102 andbottom portion 105 of body 102. If body 102 does not include theoptional breakable region 114, the user can proceed to decouple (e.g.,twist off, etc.) top portion 103 of body 102 from bottom portion 105 ofbody 102. If body 102 includes optional breakable region 114, thenbreakable region 114 is broken by the user by pressing against thebreakable seal about the perimeter of the container. Once breakableregion 114 is sufficiently broken or otherwise compromised, the topportion of the body is separated from the bottom portion of the body.Once the top portion of the body is removed from the bottom portion ofthe body, the user can more easily access and scoop out the remainingamounts of material from the bottom portion of the container. The bottomportion of the body can be configured, after the top portion is removedfrom the bottom portion, to include a similar connector arrangement(e.g., threading) as on the top portion so the same lip that could beconnected to the top portion can also now be connected to the bottomportion. As can be appreciated, the portion of removed label L and/orthe removed top portion of the body of the container can be recycled,thus making the container a more “GREEN” product.

During filling of container 100, the container is fully assembled exceptfor the insertion of a material in the container. Thereafter, lid 106 isinserted on the container to seal or other contain the material in thecontainer. During use of the container, the lid is initially removedfrom the container to dispense material from the container. Thereafter,the lid can be reinserted on the container. When the material in thecontainer falls below breakable seal 110, top portion 103 is separatedfrom bottom portion 105 by breaking the breakable seal. The material ofthe body of the container can be optionally clear or at least partiallytransparent so a user can visually determine when the material in thecontainer falls below the breakable seal; however, this is not required.Thereafter, the material in the bottom portion can be dispensed from thebottom portion. The lid can optionally be removably secured to the topconnector on the bottom portion.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can bereplaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replacedby a single component to perform a given function or functions. Exceptwhere such substitution would not be operative, such substitution iswithin the intended scope of the embodiments.

Additional features and methods of operation of the practice puttingdevice are included in the figures.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the claims. Accordingly, otherimplementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Disclosed are materials, systems, devices, methods, compositions, andcomponents that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can beused in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods,systems, and devices. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutations of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, eachis specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if adevice is disclosed and discussed each and every combination andpermutation of the device, and the modifications that are possible arespecifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary.Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specificallycontemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of thisdisclosure including, but not limited to, steps in methods using thedisclosed systems or devices. Thus, if there are a variety of additionalsteps that can be performed, it is understood that each of theseadditional steps can be performed with any specific method steps orcombination of method steps of the disclosed methods, and that each suchcombination or subset of combinations is specifically contemplated andshould be considered disclosed.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of this application and anyresulting patent in interpreting the claims appended hereto, Applicantdoes not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” areexplicitly used in the particular claim.

What is claimed:
 1. An adjustable container comprising a body, and alid; said body includes a top portion and a bottom portion that arereleasably connected together by a breakable seal arrangement; said topportion of said body includes a top internal cavity, a top regionconnection arrangement, and a bottom region connection arrangement; saidbottom portion of said body includes a base, a bottom internal cavity,and a base connection arrangement; said lid is configured to bereleasably connected to said a top region connection arrangement; saidlid is configured to be releasably connected to said base connectionarrangement when said top and bottom portions of said body areseparated.
 2. The adjustable container as defined in claim 1, whereinsaid breakable seal arrangement forms an air-tight and/or liquid-tightseal between said top and bottom portions of said body when said top andbottom portions of said body are connected together.
 3. The adjustablecontainer as defined in claim 1, wherein said breakable seal arrangementincludes one or more of a) a breakable adhesive seal, b) one or moresealing rings, c) one or more breakable coating layers, d) a breakableand/or removable strip, e) breakable and/or removable region on the bodyof container, e) a connection sleeve that releasably connects betweensaid top and bottom body portions, and/or f) a shrink wrap layer that ispositioned about the perimeter of the container.
 4. The adjustablecontainer as defined in claim 1, wherein one or more of said top regionconnection arrangement, said bottom region connection arrangement,and/or said base connection arrangement includes a threaded connection.5. The adjustable container as defined in claim 1, wherein saidcontainer has a cylindrical shape.
 6. The adjustable container asdefined in claim 1, wherein said container includes a viscous materialthat has a viscosity of greater than 3000 centipoise at 21° C.
 7. Theadjustable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said containerincudes instructions to provide information to a user as to how said topand bottom portions of said body can be separated.
 8. The adjustablecontainer as defined in claim 1, wherein said breakable seal arrangementis or includes said breakable adhesive; said breakable adhesive is afood-grade adhesive.
 9. The adjustable container as defined in claim 8,wherein said breakable adhesive a) is at least partially positionedbetween said top and bottom portions of said body, b) forms an adhesivelayer on an outer surface and/or an inner surface of said body thatoverlies a region between said top and bottom portions.
 10. Theadjustable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said breakable sealarrangement is or includes said one or more sealing rings; said one ormore sealing rings are partially or fully positioned between said topand bottom portions of said body.
 11. The adjustable container asdefined in claim 1, wherein said breakable seal arrangement is orincludes said breakable coating layer; said breakable coating layer ispositioned i) at least partially between said top and bottom portions ofsaid body, and/or ii) on an outer and/or an inner surface of said bodythat overlies a region between said top and bottom body portions. 12.The adjustable container as defined in claim 1, wherein said breakableseal arrangement is or includes said breakable and/or removable strip;said breakable and/or removable strip is positioned i) at leastpartially between said top and bottom portions of said body, and/or ii)on an outer and/or an inner surface of said body that overlies a regionbetween said top and bottom body portions.
 13. The adjustable containeras defined in claim 1, wherein said breakable seal arrangement is orincludes said connection sleeve; said connection sleeve includes a firstconnection arrangement at one end portion of said connection sleeve anda second connection arrangement at an opposite end portion of saidconnection sleeve; said first connection arrangement releasablyconnected to said top portion of said body; said second connectionarrangement releasably connected to said bottom portion of said body.14. The adjustable container as defined in claim 1, wherein saidbreakable seal arrangement is or includes said breakable region that canbe continuous or discontinuous about a perimeter of said body; saidbreakable region is formed by one or more a groove, serrations, slots,and/or divots.
 15. The adjustable container as defined in claim 1,wherein said breakable seal arrangement includes first and secondbreakable regions that are spaced apart from one another.
 16. Theadjustable container as defined in claim 1, further includes a label onsaid body; said label overlies a portion or all of said breakable sealarrangement.
 17. The adjustable container as defined in claim 16,wherein said label is configured to partially or fully form saidbreakable seal arrangement.
 18. The adjustable container as defined inclaim 16, wherein said label includes a pull tab that is configured tofacilitate in the removal of a midsection of said label and/or otherportions of said label from said body to partially or fully expose aregion between said top and bottom portions of said body.
 19. Theadjustable container as defined in claim 16, wherein said label includesone or more serrations, slots, and/or grooves, to facilitate in removalof said midsection of said label and/or other portions of said labelfrom said body.